Carpinus betulus 'Rockhampton Red'
(Hornbeam 'Rockhampton Red')
Family - Betulaceae
Category - Tree
Origin - Discovered at Mount Pleasant Tree Nursery in Gloucestershire, England
Discovered By - Discovered by Geoff Locke of Mount Pleasant Trees
Year of Introduction - 1990's
Season of Interest - Spring, Summer, Autumn
Hardiness - H7
Height - 12m or more
Description: A medium-sized Deciduous tree with an upright habit and a pyramidal crown that will gradually become rounded with maturity. The spreading branches are covered in dark green, ovate to oval leaves with finely toothed margins. Greenish-yellow male catkins are produced from mid to late spring and are followed by female flowers that will develop into hop-like Racemes of fruit surrounded by prominent Bracts. The leaves turn bright shades of red and orange in autumn before falling. Typically, members of Carpinus betulus have yellow to yellow-orange autumn colouring. The red autumn hue is unique to C. b. 'Rockhampton Red'.
Flower:
Greenish-yellow male catkins are produced in April and May and are followed by female flowers. The female flowers will develop into pendulous, hop-like racemes of fruit surrounded by prominent bracts.
Flower colour: Green
Flower shape: Catkins, racemes
Flowering time: April, May
Foliage:
Dark green ovate to oval leaves have serrate margins. The leaves are Alternately arranged along the branches. The red and orange autumn colour is unique among Carpinus betulus to 'Rockhampton Red'.
Foliage Senescence: Deciduous
Foliage Shape: Ovate to oval
Autumn Colour: Red, orange
Propagation:
Plant Breeder's Rights (PBR). Unlicensed propagation is prohibited.
Cultivation:
Best in full sun to partial shade in fertile, moisture-retentive soil that is well-drained.
